Approximately 85% of all couples trying to conceive become pregnant within one year. Therefore, if you have only been trying for a few months, do not give up or lose hope; it is usually a matter of trying a little longer. For some, however, it may not be a matter of more time…
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Most OB/GYNs and other reproductive specialists recommend seeking help if you’re not able to get pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse (6 months if the female partner is more than 35 years of age). There may be fertility issues with either yourself or your partner that need to be addressed. Many couples are amazed to find out that the causes of infertility are fairly evenly split between the sexes; typically, one-third are male factor issues and one-third are female reproductive issues. For the remaining couples, both partners contribute to about 20% of infertility cases, while in approximately 10% of the cases, the cause is unexplained.
THE EMOTIONAL TOLL
There are many difficult feelings that couples may experience when they receive an infertility diagnosis. Infertile couples may feel sadness or a certain stigma when facing pressure from friends, family, and coworkers to answer questions about when they are going to build their family. For infertile couples, hearing the question “When are you going to have a baby?” over and over again can create feelings of stress and even a sense of shame. For many couples experiencing infertility, they may feel overwhelmed and don’t know what to do or where to go for help.
A TREATABLE CONDITION
Infertility is a tough and distressing disease to have, and it is certainly one that few in the general public understand. It is important to remember that infertility is often a treatable condition, providing you go to the right doctor to be evaluated and take the time to learn all that you can about the basics of infertility. Infertile couples who take the time and energy to focus on understanding basic infertility concepts typically take a more active role in making decisions related to their own personal fertility care.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Taking the time to understand vital information related to infertility will have many rewards in the long run, such as:
- More effective communication with your reproductive specialist and fertility clinic staff
- Better understanding of diagnostic and treatment plans
- Better understanding of current methods of treating infertility, giving couples the chance to knowledgeably suggest reasonable alternative plans
- A more comprehensive knowledge of infertility treatment gives couples the opportunity to confidently determine the best choice, based on personal values and goals
- When each partner takes the time to research information regarding infertility basics, they can both assist in the fertility management process with a true sense of personal empowerment and a mutual sense of control
In many cases, these hidden benefits may go largely unrecognized; emotionally, however, these rewards are often quite meaningful. Knowledge leads to personal power, especially when making the important decisions needed to move through the infertility treatment process. Researching information regarding infertility basics, of course, is not a substitute for the medical education that your reproductive specialist has received in medical school. You and your partner will not become infertility specialists by reading the wealth of information available in books and on a variety of internet websites, but you should be able to gain a substantial amount of insight into the diagnostic processes and therapeutic plans that your doctor proposes. Any knowledge gained will help you decide which treatment option is best for you.
CORM IS HERE TO HELP
Since 1997, the reproductive specialists at the Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) have safely provided the highest pregnancy success rates for thousands of patients in the greater Southeast Texas area. At CORM, our professional staff is committed to providing the highest quality reproductive medicine and care for each patient. If you are located in Houston, Webster, or Beaumont and would like to speak with a reproductive specialist, please contact the Center of Reproductive Medicine today.
If you are looking for more information regarding infertility or the psychological impact of infertility, be sure to call the professional staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine today. CORM serves the greater southeast area of Texas with full-service fertility clinics in Houston, Webster, and Beaumont; the professional staff at CORM uses the latest techniques and procedures to help patients achieve the gift of a new life. The reproductive specialists and experienced staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine understand the emotional toll that infertility takes on individuals and couples; they will work closely with you to help you find the emotional support that you need during your infertility journey.